I was a little bored, turned TV on... the Bait Car in Birmingham is on. I was about to change the channel, when something funny happened. A cop approached the bait car and ticketed it.... At first the cop called it in and then wrote a ticket and then the bait car was towed. LMAO

Cops park a car, leave the keys in the car, leave doors unlocked. If a car thief was to steal that car, they arrest the car thief. It's entertaining as it is, but when the bait car was ticketed and towed it was hysterical....

Well I don't know about that whole UK vs US argument this thread seems to have evolved into, I do want to see the episode of that show where the bait car gets towed! We have that show over here too, so maybe one of our cops will be dumb enough to tow it.

Well I don't know about that whole UK vs US argument this thread seems to have evolved into, I do want to see the episode of that show where the bait car gets towed! We have that show over here too, so maybe one of our cops will be dumb enough to tow it.

From what I know of American/North-American law it isn't entrapment. As long as the car is not placed with a suspect in mind. i.e. part it on the same block as a recently release car thief, or ar known hangouts. If it is parked in an area where there have been cars taken recently, its "just good planning" to catch people.

However you'd think if a cop called in the bait car someone whould go wait the plates on that one... still be funny to see it happen.

well, certain things don't even get to courts due to entrapment. it also depends of where in the States and what county... For instance, last I heard waiting for drunks to jump in the car was an entrapment....
These episodes can be funny. It's even funnier when there are a few people hanging out by the car, one would say "hey, no way somebody just left the keys on the trunk, laptop on the back seat and GPS on dash with the doors wide open. It must be a bait car!" Another guy still takes off in the car. LMAO

Cops park a car, leave the keys in the car, leave doors unlocked. If a car thief was to steal that car, they arrest the car thief. It's entertaining as it is, but when the bait car was ticketed and towed it was hysterical....

You didn't mention that the car is rigged for the doors to lock and the engine to shut off once they start to drive. I don't watch it often but it is fascinating. It would only be entrapment if they were induced or directed to commit the act.

The funny thing is, it's rarely a car worth stealing either. I realize departments couldn't afford to insure and park a Porsche out on the street to be purposely stolen, but a cheapo Toyota isn't enough either..